India won consolation bronze medal defeating China for 2-0 in Women's Asia Cup Hockey Tournament

Digital Desk: India won a consolation bronze medal in the Women's Asia Cup hockey tournament here on Friday after defeating China 2-0. The Indians put the disappointment of their quarterfinal loss to Korea behind them and dominated the first two quarters, scoring two goals in the process to take a 2-0 lead over China at halftime. In the second half, though, they were unable to score any more goals. Also Read: India raised the issue of Khalistanis desecrating Gandhi’s statue with the US The Indians got off to a strong start, earning a number of penalty corners, and Sharmila Devi gave her team the lead in the 13th minute, scoring from a rebound after the Chinese defence stopped Gurjit Kaur's initial flick. In the second quarter, India remained in the same spirit, with the greater number of opportunities. The Indians continued to put pressure on the Chinese defence with continuous raids, and in the 19th minute, they earned another penalty corner, which Gurjit scored with a spectacular drag-flick to make the score 2-0 and won the consolation bronze medal. China replied quickly, securing a penalty corner, which India captain and goalie Savita Punia superbly kept out. After the change of ends, China came out with more intent and attempted to put pressure on the Indian defence, but to no avail. At the start of the fourth and final quarters, the Indians continued to put pressure on the Chinese defence, but they were unable to create any clear-cut opportunities. China earned a penalty corner 10 minutes before the finish of the game, but the Indians defended in force to keep their citadel safe. Later on Friday, Japan will face Korea in a summit clash in the Women's Asia Cup Hockey tournament. Lack of match practise following a remarkable fourth place finish at the Tokyo Olympics cost reigning champions India dearly, as they produced inconsistent performances in key matches to drop out of the title fight. After hammering lowly Malaysia 9-0 in their first match, India lost 0-2 to Asian Games winners Japan before defeating Singapore 9-1 to go to the semifinals. However, in the semifinals, India's dreams were dashed as they were defeated 2-3 by Korea due to sloppy defending and bad penalty corner conversions.